Sarga 10

Verse 1

विदर्शिता यदा देवी कुब्जया पापया भृशम्।तदा शेते स्म सा भूमौ दिग्धविद्धेव किन्नरी।।।।

When the sinful hunchback had fiercely perverted the queen’s mind, she lay upon the ground like a kinnarī struck by a poisoned arrow.

Verse 2

निश्चित्य मनसा कृत्यं सा सम्यगिति भामिनी।मन्थरायै शनैस्सर्वमाचचक्षे विचक्षणा।।।।

Having resolved in her mind that her course of action was properly set, the passionate queen carefully and quietly disclosed everything to Mantharā.

Verse 3

सा दीना निश्चयं कृत्वा मन्थरावाक्यमोहिता।नागकन्येव निश्वस्य दीर्घमुष्णं च भामिनी।।।।मुहूर्तं चिन्तयामास मार्गमात्मसुखावहम्।

Wretched and deluded by Mantharā’s words, that proud queen, having made her decision, heaved long, hot sighs like a serpent-maiden; then for a while she pondered the means that would secure her own happiness.

Verse 4

सा सुहृच्चार्थकामा च तं निशम्य सुनिश्चयम्।।।।बभूव परमप्रीता सिध्दिं प्राप्येव मन्थरा।

Mantharā—her confidante, eager to see Kaikeyī’s purpose fulfilled—on hearing Kaikeyī’s firm resolve, became exceedingly delighted, as though success had already been attained.

Verse 5

अथ सा रुषिता देवी सम्यक्कृत्वा विनिश्चयम्।।।।संविवेशाबला भूमौ निवेश्य भृकुटीं मुखे।

Then the queen, angered, having fully settled upon her decision, lay down on the ground—placing a frown upon her face.

Verse 6

ततश्चित्राणि माल्यानि दिव्यान्याभरणानि च।।।।अपविद्धानि कैकेय्या तानि भूमिं प्रपेदिरे।

Thereafter, Kaikeyī cast away her many-colored garlands and her splendid ornaments; they fell upon the ground.

Verse 7

तया तान्यपविद्धानि माल्यान्याभरणानि च।।।।अशोभयन्त वसुधां नक्षत्राणि यथा नभः।

Those garlands and ornaments, flung away by her, nevertheless adorned the earth—like stars adorning the sky.

Verse 8

क्रोधागारे निपतिता सा बभौ मलिनाम्बरा।।।।एकवेणीं दृढं बद्वा गतसत्त्वेव किन्नरी।

Fallen in the chamber of wrath, clad in soiled garments, with her hair tightly bound into a single braid, she appeared like a lifeless kinnarī.

Verse 9

आज्ञाप्य च महाराजो राघवस्याभिषेचनम्।।।।उपस्थानमनुज्ञाप्य प्रविवेश निवेशनम्।

Having commanded the consecration of Rāghava, the great king—after taking leave of those in attendance—entered his palace.

Verse 10

अद्य रामाभिषेको वै प्रसिद्ध इति जज्ञिवान्।।।।प्रियार्हां प्रियमाख्यातुं विवेशान्तःपुरं वशी।

Knowing that “Rāma’s consecration is to be held today,” and that this was already widely known, the self-controlled king entered the inner apartments to convey the pleasing news to one worthy of hearing it.

Verse 11

स कैकेय्या गृहं श्रेष्ठं प्रविवेश महायशाः।।।।पाण्डुराभ्रमिवाकाशं राहुयुक्तं निशाकरः।

The illustrious king entered Kaikeyī’s splendid residence—like the moon entering a sky veiled with pale clouds, joined with Rāhu, the eclipsing power.

Verse 12

शुकबर्हिणसङ्घुष्टं क्रौञ्चहंसरुतायुतम्।।।।वादित्ररवसङ्घुष्टं कुब्जा वामनिकायुतम्।लतागृहैश्चित्रगृहैश्चम्पकाशोकशोभितैः।।।।दान्तराजतसौवर्णवेदिकाभि स्समायुतम्।नित्यपुष्पफलैर्वृक्षैर्वापीभिश्चोपशोभितम्।।।।दान्तरजतसौवर्णैस्संवृतं परमासनैः।विविधैरन्नपानैश्च भक्ष्यैश्च विविधैरपि।।।।उपपन्नं महार्हैश्च भूषितैस्त्रिदिवोपमम्।तत्प्रविश्य महाराजस्स्वमन्तः पुरमृद्धिमत्।।।।न ददर्श प्रियां राजा कैकेयीं शयनोत्तमे।

Entering Kaikeyī’s prosperous inner apartments, the great king found a residence resounding with parrots and peacocks, filled with the calls of krauñca-birds and swans; it echoed with music and was attended by hunchbacks and dwarfs. It shone with vine-bowers and picture-halls, adorned with campaka and aśoka trees, and with platforms of ivory, silver, and gold; it was beautified by ponds and by trees bearing flowers and fruits in every season. It was furnished with superb seats of ivory, silver, and gold, and supplied with varied foods, drinks, and delicacies—richly ornamented, heaven-like. Yet the king did not see his beloved Kaikeyī upon her finest bed.

Verse 13

शुकबर्हिणसङ्घुष्टं क्रौञ्चहंसरुतायुतम्।।2.10.12।।वादित्ररवसङ्घुष्टं कुब्जा वामनिकायुतम्।लतागृहैश्चित्रगृहैश्चम्पकाशोकशोभितैः।।2.10.13।।दान्तराजतसौवर्णवेदिकाभि स्समायुतम्।नित्यपुष्पफलैर्वृक्षैर्वापीभिश्चोपशोभितम्।।2.10.14।।दान्तरजतसौवर्णैस्संवृतं परमासनैः।विविधैरन्नपानैश्च भक्ष्यैश्च विविधैरपि।।2.10.15।।उपपन्नं महार्हैश्च भूषितैस्त्रिदिवोपमम्।तत्प्रविश्य महाराजस्स्वमन्तः पुरमृद्धिमत्।।2.10.16।।न ददर्श प्रियां राजा कैकेयीं शयनोत्तमे।

Entering Kaikeyī’s prosperous inner apartments, the great king found a residence resounding with parrots and peacocks, filled with the calls of krauñca-birds and swans; it echoed with music and was attended by hunchbacks and dwarfs. It shone with vine-bowers and picture-halls, adorned with campaka and aśoka trees, and with platforms of ivory, silver, and gold; it was beautified by ponds and by trees bearing flowers and fruits in every season. It was furnished with superb seats of ivory, silver, and gold, and supplied with varied foods, drinks, and delicacies—richly ornamented, heaven-like. Yet the king did not see his beloved Kaikeyī upon her finest bed.

Verse 14

शुकबर्हिणसङ्घुष्टं क्रौञ्चहंसरुतायुतम्।।2.10.12।।वादित्ररवसङ्घुष्टं कुब्जा वामनिकायुतम्।लतागृहैश्चित्रगृहैश्चम्पकाशोकशोभितैः।।2.10.13।।दान्तराजतसौवर्णवेदिकाभि स्समायुतम्।नित्यपुष्पफलैर्वृक्षैर्वापीभिश्चोपशोभितम्।।2.10.14।।दान्तरजतसौवर्णैस्संवृतं परमासनैः।विविधैरन्नपानैश्च भक्ष्यैश्च विविधैरपि।।2.10.15।।उपपन्नं महार्हैश्च भूषितैस्त्रिदिवोपमम्।तत्प्रविश्य महाराजस्स्वमन्तः पुरमृद्धिमत्।।2.10.16।।न ददर्श प्रियां राजा कैकेयीं शयनोत्तमे।

Entering Kaikeyī’s prosperous inner apartments, the great king found a residence resounding with parrots and peacocks, filled with the calls of krauñca-birds and swans; it echoed with music and was attended by hunchbacks and dwarfs. It shone with vine-bowers and picture-halls, adorned with campaka and aśoka trees, and with platforms of ivory, silver, and gold; it was beautified by ponds and by trees bearing flowers and fruits in every season. It was furnished with superb seats of ivory, silver, and gold, and supplied with varied foods, drinks, and delicacies—richly ornamented, heaven-like. Yet the king did not see his beloved Kaikeyī upon her finest bed.

Verse 15

शुकबर्हिणसङ्घुष्टं क्रौञ्चहंसरुतायुतम्।।2.10.12।।वादित्ररवसङ्घुष्टं कुब्जा वामनिकायुतम्।लतागृहैश्चित्रगृहैश्चम्पकाशोकशोभितैः।।2.10.13।।दान्तराजतसौवर्णवेदिकाभि स्समायुतम्।नित्यपुष्पफलैर्वृक्षैर्वापीभिश्चोपशोभितम्।।2.10.14।।दान्तरजतसौवर्णैस्संवृतं परमासनैः।विविधैरन्नपानैश्च भक्ष्यैश्च विविधैरपि।।2.10.15।।उपपन्नं महार्हैश्च भूषितैस्त्रिदिवोपमम्।तत्प्रविश्य महाराजस्स्वमन्तः पुरमृद्धिमत्।।2.10.16।।न ददर्श प्रियां राजा कैकेयीं शयनोत्तमे।

Entering Kaikeyī’s prosperous inner apartments, the great king found a residence resounding with parrots and peacocks, filled with the calls of krauñca-birds and swans; it echoed with music and was attended by hunchbacks and dwarfs. It shone with vine-bowers and picture-halls, adorned with campaka and aśoka trees, and with platforms of ivory, silver, and gold; it was beautified by ponds and by trees bearing flowers and fruits in every season. It was furnished with superb seats of ivory, silver, and gold, and supplied with varied foods, drinks, and delicacies—richly ornamented, heaven-like. Yet the king did not see his beloved Kaikeyī upon her finest bed.

Verse 16

शुकबर्हिणसङ्घुष्टं क्रौञ्चहंसरुतायुतम्।।2.10.12।।वादित्ररवसङ्घुष्टं कुब्जा वामनिकायुतम्।लतागृहैश्चित्रगृहैश्चम्पकाशोकशोभितैः।।2.10.13।।दान्तराजतसौवर्णवेदिकाभि स्समायुतम्।नित्यपुष्पफलैर्वृक्षैर्वापीभिश्चोपशोभितम्।।2.10.14।।दान्तरजतसौवर्णैस्संवृतं परमासनैः।विविधैरन्नपानैश्च भक्ष्यैश्च विविधैरपि।।2.10.15।।उपपन्नं महार्हैश्च भूषितैस्त्रिदिवोपमम्।तत्प्रविश्य महाराजस्स्वमन्तः पुरमृद्धिमत्।।2.10.16।।न ददर्श प्रियां राजा कैकेयीं शयनोत्तमे।

Entering Kaikeyī’s prosperous inner apartments, the great king found a residence resounding with parrots and peacocks, filled with the calls of krauñca-birds and swans; it echoed with music and was attended by hunchbacks and dwarfs. It shone with vine-bowers and picture-halls, adorned with campaka and aśoka trees, and with platforms of ivory, silver, and gold; it was beautified by ponds and by trees bearing flowers and fruits in every season. It was furnished with superb seats of ivory, silver, and gold, and supplied with varied foods, drinks, and delicacies—richly ornamented, heaven-like. Yet the king did not see his beloved Kaikeyī upon her finest bed.

Verse 17

कामबलसंयुक्तो रत्यर्थं मनुजाधिपः।।।।अपश्यन्दयितां भार्यां पप्रच्छ विषसाद च।

Moved by the force of desire and seeking intimate pleasure, the lord of men—on not seeing his beloved wife—grew despondent and asked after her.

Verse 18

न हि तस्य पुरा देवी तां वेलामत्यवर्तत।।।।न च राजा गृहं शून्यं प्रविवेश कदाचन।

Never before had Queen Kaikeyī overstepped the appointed time to receive the king; nor had the king ever entered her chambers when they were empty.

Verse 19

ततो गृहगतो राजा कैकेयीं पर्यपृच्छत।।।।यथा पूर्वमविज्ञाय स्वार्थलिप्सुमपण्डिताम्।

Then, having come to her apartments, the king asked after Kaikeyī as before—unaware that the unwise queen was now driven by a selfish aim.

Verse 20

प्रतीहारी त्वथोवाच सन्त्रस्ता सुकृताञ्जलिः।।।।देव देवी भृशं कृद्धा क्रोधागारमभिदृता।

Then the frightened door-keeper, with palms joined, said: “O King, the queen—furiously enraged—has rushed into the chamber of wrath.”

Verse 21

प्रतीहार्या वचश्शृत्वा राजा परमदुर्मनाः।।।।विषसाद पुनर्भूयो लुलितव्याकुलेन्द्रियः।।

Hearing the door-keeper’s words, the king became deeply downcast; again and again he sank into grief, his senses shaken and unsteady.

Verse 22

तत्र तां पतितां भूमौ शयानामतथोचिताम्।।।।प्रतप्त इव दुःखेन सोऽपश्यज्जगतीपतिः।

There the lord of the earth saw her lying fallen on the floor—an unseemly posture for her station—and he felt as though scorched by grief.

Verse 23

स वृद्धस्तरुणीं भार्यां प्राणेभ्योपि गरीयसीम्।।।।अपापः पापसङ्कल्पां ददर्श धरणीतले।लतामिव विनिष्कृत्तां पतितां देवतामिव।।।।किन्नरीमिव निर्धूतां च्युतामप्सरसं यथा।मायामिव परिभ्रष्टां हरिणीमिव संयताम्।।।।

The aged king—guileless at heart—beheld his youthful wife, dearer to him than life itself, lying on the ground though her intentions were sinful. She seemed like a severed creeper, like a fallen goddess, like a kinnari cast down, like an apsaras slipped from heaven, like an illusion gone awry, like a doe held fast.

Verse 24

स वृद्धस्तरुणीं भार्यां प्राणेभ्योपि गरीयसीम्।।2.10.23।।अपापः पापसङ्कल्पां ददर्श धरणीतले।लतामिव विनिष्कृत्तां पतितां देवतामिव।।2.10.24।।किन्नरीमिव निर्धूतां च्युतामप्सरसं यथा।मायामिव परिभ्रष्टां हरिणीमिव संयताम्।।2.10.25।।

In this recension’s segmented numbering, the same description continues: the guileless aged king saw his beloved young queen on the ground, appearing like a severed creeper and like a goddess fallen from her place.

Verse 25

स वृद्धस्तरुणीं भार्यां प्राणेभ्योपि गरीयसीम्।।2.10.23।।अपापः पापसङ्कल्पां ददर्श धरणीतले।लतामिव विनिष्कृत्तां पतितां देवतामिव।।2.10.24।।किन्नरीमिव निर्धूतां च्युतामप्सरसं यथा।मायामिव परिभ्रष्टां हरिणीमिव संयताम्।।2.10.25।।

Continuing the same chain of similes in the Southern Recension’s numbering: she looked like a kinnari cast down, like an apsaras fallen from heaven, like an illusion disrupted, and like a doe bound fast—images that intensified the king’s pity while concealing her motive.

Verse 26

करेणुमिव दिग्धेन विद्धां मृगयुना वने।महागज इवारण्ये स्नेहात्परिममर्श ताम्।।।।

As a great elephant in the forest tenderly touches and soothes a cow-elephant wounded by a poisoned arrow shot by a hunter, so he, out of affection, gently caressed her.

Verse 27

परिमृश्य च पाणिभ्यामभिसन्त्रस्तचेतनः।कामी कमलपत्राक्षीमुवाच वनितामिदम्।।।।

Terrified in mind yet driven by desire, he gently caressed with both hands his lotus-eyed wife and spoke these words to her.

Verse 28

न तेऽहमभिजानामि क्रोधमात्मनि संश्रितम्।देवि केनाभिशप्ताऽसि केन वाऽसि विमानिता।।।।यदिदं मम दुःखाय शेषे कल्याणि पांसुषु।

I cannot tell, O queen, whether anger has taken refuge in you against me. By whom have you been cursed, or by whom have you been dishonoured, that—O auspicious one—you lie in the dust, to my sorrow?

Verse 29

भूमौ शेषे किमर्थं त्वं मयि कल्याणचेतसि।।।।भूतोपहतचित्तेव मम चित्तप्रमाथिनी।

Why do you lie upon the ground, when my mind is kindly disposed toward you—like one whose mind is seized by spirits—tormenting my heart?

Verse 30

सन्ति मे कुशला वैद्यास्त्वभितुष्टाश्च सर्वशः।।।।सुखितां त्वां करिष्यन्ति व्याधिमाचक्ष्व भामिनी।

I have skilled physicians, fully trusted in every way; they will restore you to comfort. Tell me, O beloved lady, what ailment you have.

Verse 31

कस्य वा ते प्रियं कार्यं केन वा विप्रियं कृतम्।।।।कः प्रियं लभतामद्य को वा सुमहदप्रियम्।

To whom would you show favor, or by whom have you been wronged? Who shall receive kindness today, and who shall receive very great displeasure?

Verse 32

मा रोदीर्मा च कार्षीस्त्वं देवि संपरिशोषणम्।।।।अवध्यो वध्यतां को वा को वा वध्यो विमुच्यताम्।दरिद्रः को भवत्वाढ्यो द्रव्यवान्वाऽप्यकिञ्चनः।।।।

Do not weep, O queen, nor waste your body away. Whoever should not be slain—let him be slain; and whoever deserves slaying—let him be set free. Let the poor become rich, and let the wealthy be made destitute.

Verse 33

मा रोदीर्मा च कार्षीस्त्वं देवि संपरिशोषणम्।।2.10.32।।अवध्यो वध्यतां को वा को वा वध्यो विमुच्यताम्।दरिद्रः को भवत्वाढ्यो द्रव्यवान्वाऽप्यकिञ्चनः।।2.10.33।।

This verse repeats the same vow: “Do not weep, O queen, nor waste your body away. Whoever should not be slain—let him be slain; and whoever deserves slaying—let him be set free. Let the poor become rich, and let the wealthy be made destitute.”

Verse 34

अहं चैव मदीयाश्च सर्वे तव वशानुगाः।न ते किञ्चिदभिप्रायं व्याहन्तुमहमुत्सहे।।।।

I—and all who are mine—are obedient to your will; I would not even attempt to thwart any part of your intention.

Verse 35

आत्मनो जीवितेनापि ब्रूहि यन्मनसेच्छसि।बलमात्मनि जानन्ती न मां शङ्कितुमर्हसि।।।।करिष्यामि तव प्रीतिं सुकृतेनापि ते शपे।

Speak what your heart desires, even if it costs my very life. Knowing my strength, it does not befit you to doubt me. I will do what brings you joy; I swear it to you even upon the merit of my good deeds.

Verse 36

यावदावर्तते चक्रं तावती मे वसुन्धरा।।।।प्राचीनास्सिन्धुसौवीरा स्सौराष्ट्रा दक्षिणापथाः।वङ्गाङ्गमगधाः मत्स्याः समृद्धा काशिकोसलाः।।।।

As far as the chariot-wheel can roll, so far extends my sovereign land—embracing the eastern realms, Sindhu–Sauvīra, Saurāṣṭra, the southern route, and the prosperous countries of Vaṅga, Aṅga, Magadha, Matsya, and Kāśi–Kosala.

Verse 37

यावदावर्तते चक्रं तावती मे वसुन्धरा।।2.10.36।।प्राचीनास्सिन्धुसौवीरा स्सौराष्ट्रा दक्षिणापथाः।वङ्गाङ्गमगधाः मत्स्याः समृद्धा काशिकोसलाः।।2.10.37।।

As far as the chariot-wheel ranges, so far is my realm—embracing the eastern lands, Sindhu–Sauvīra, Saurāṣṭra, the southern regions, and the prosperous countries of Vaṅga, Aṅga, Magadha, Matsya, and Kāśi–Kosala.

Verse 38

तत्र जातं बहु द्रव्यं धनधान्यमजाविकम्।ततो वृणीष्व कैकेयि यद्यत्त्वं मनसेच्छसि।।।।

There, abundant goods are produced—wealth, grain, and flocks of goats and sheep. Therefore, O Kaikeyī, choose from them whatever you desire in your heart.

Verse 39

किमायासेन ते भीरु उत्तिष्ठोत्तिष्ठ शोभने।तत्त्वं मे ब्रूहि कैकेयि यतस्ते भयमागतम्।।।।तत्ते व्यपनयिष्यामि नीहारमिव रश्मिवान्।

Why this strain, timid one? Rise, rise, O lovely Kaikeyī. Tell me truly what fear has come upon you; I shall drive it away, as the radiant sun dispels the morning mist.

Verse 40

तथोक्ता सा समाश्वस्ता वक्तुकामा तदप्रियम्।।।।परिपीडयितुं भूयो भर्तारमुपचक्रमे।

Thus addressed, she felt reassured; yet, wishing to utter that unwelcome demand, she set about distressing her husband still further.